That image changed dramatically in 2016 when Stefanovic ended his 21-year marriage to Cassandra Thorburn - the mother of his three children.

Stefanovic's over-the-top, showy wedding to shoe designer Jasmine Yarbrough, 34, in Cabo San Lucas this month did nothing to repair his reputation, and he has now lost his plum role as co-host of Today.

"Nine and Karl Stefanovic have agreed it is time for him to step off the Today Show. Karl remains on contract with the network," Nine's director of news and current affairs, Darren Wick, said in a statement today.

There are two sides to Karl Stefanovic’s embattled public image. Picture: Liam Kidston

As Nine announced his dramatic departure, Stefanovic, who is believed to still be on his honeymoon with Yarbrough, said he had been through a "tough time".

"For the last 14 years I've co-hosted the best show on television," Stefanovic said in a statement.

"I can't thank Nine enough for the opportunity. I never in my wildest dreams thought I would be good enough to host this grand show for so long.

"Thanks to our viewers mostly, you are what matters most. It's been a tough time. Thanks for hanging in there."

KARL'S IMAGE IN CRISIS

So where did it all go wrong for Stefanovic? After meeting Yarbrough, there were noticeable changes to Stefanovic's dress sense, social circle and, most disastrously for Today's ratings, his public image.

Viewers turned off in droves, as Stefanovic's brand became tainted by the appearance of a midlife crisis.

His style went from daggy jeans, knits and TV wardrobe shirts and trousers, to sleek Tom Ford suits (as worn to the Logies this year).

His social circle changed to include a much younger crowd - Australian model Jordan Barrett and British socialite Louise Roe.

Suddenly, Stefanovic was sitting front row with Yarbrough, who is the owner of high-end shoe brand Mara & Mine, at David Jones' fashion shows, flaunting PDA, and uploading couple-selfies to Instagram.

Karl Stefanovic, top right, looked out of shape on the cover of New Idea.

A post-workout Karl Stefanovic in Sydney last month. Picture: Matrix Media Group

His weight fluctuated from a "dad bod" to trim and buff, and he was often photographed on his way to the gym, including as recently as late November in the lead-up to their resort wedding at One & Only Palmilla.

Stefanovic and Yarbrough's romance - and 10-year age gap - raised eyebrows after Stefanovic's messy breakup from Thorburn after 21 years of marriage.

The Nine star was said to have "blindsided" his ex by ending their marriage in 2016, and then five months later hooked up with Yarbrough in a very public manner.

They went public with their romance when they were photographed taking selfies on board a luxury boat on Sydney Harbour in February 2017.

Jasmine and Karl have shared loved-up selfies on Instagram.

The soon-to-be newlyweds at a Witchery fashion launch in April.

The problems facing brand Karl Stefanovic in 2018 have been well-documented.

"Karl has had a tough year, but I have every confidence that he can get back to what he is really good at and re-establish that connection with the audience," Marks told News Corp Australia last month.

"If the audience sees him really working hard and treating them very seriously and delivering on what he can do, well then he can re-establish that connection. He is a fantastic broadcaster."

Karl Stefanovic with his Gold Logie in 2011.

With his former Today co-star Lisa Wilkinson in 2009.

Stefanovic is one of the highest-paid stars on Australian TV and his net worth is rumoured to be $10 million.

His annual salary at Nine's Today is reportedly $2 million and he is paid substantial bonuses, which are been estimated to put his annual earnings at close to $3 million.

The new Karl's style is a far cry from the man who famously wore the same navy suit for a year on Today in 2014 (only changing the tie and shirt), as part of an experiment to highlight sexism on TV.

"I've worn the same suit on air for a year - except for a couple of times because of circumstance - to make a point," Stefanovic said at the time.

"I'm judged on my interviews, my appalling sense of humour - on how I do my job, basically. Whereas women are quite often judged on what they're wearing or how their hair is … that's [what I wanted to test]."